Connect to the Internet

To connect to the Internet, you'll need an Internet service provider (ISP) and some hardware:

ISP: An ISP is a company that gives you access to the Internet. You sign up for an account with an ISP just as you do for telephone service or utilities. ISPs are usually phone companies (for a DSL or fiber optic connection) or TV providers (for a cable or satellite connection).

Hardware: For a broadband connection, such as DSL, fiber optic, or cable, you'll need a broadband modem. This might be included as part of the start-up hardware from your ISP when you sign up for a broadband account or you might need to rent or purchase a modem separately. If you plan to share Internet access with multiple PCs by using a home network, you'll also need a router. (Sometimes a modem and router are combined in one device.)

After you have an ISP and you've connected your hardware by following the ISP's instructions, you might already be connected to the Internet. To find out, open your web browser and try visiting a website. If the website doesn't appear, try this:

Connect to a network by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Settings (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer up, and then clicking Settings), and then tapping or clicking the network icon ( or ). Tap or click the network you want to connect to, and then tap or click Connect.

With mobile broadband technology (also called wireless wide area network or WWAN technology) you can connect to the Internet when you’re away from a typical wired or wireless network. To use mobile broadband, you need hardware (built-in or external) that will work with mobile broadband and a data plan with a mobile broadband provider.

Activate your subscriber identity module (SIM) and the mobile broadband service for the SIM. Your mobile operator or device retailer will give you the info to do this.

If you have an external mobile broadband device, make sure it's correctly inserted into the PC according to the manufacturer's directions, and make sure the wireless switch is turned on. The wireless switch is usually found on the front, side, or back edge of a laptop or tablet.

View a list of available networks by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Settings (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer up, and then clicking Settings), and then tapping or clicking the network icon ( or ).

Tap or click Network, and then tap or click the name of your mobile broadband network.

Note

You might need to provide an access string or an APN to help identify your mobile network. An access string (for CDMA devices) or APN (for GSM devices) should be included in the info that came with your subscriber identity module (SIM) or subscription.

Change any connection settings that you want to change, and then tap or click Connect.

If you're prompted, choose or enter the access point name (APN) or access string, user name, password, and type of sign-in info. (You can find these in the info that came with your mobile broadband hardware or with your mobile broadband service.) You might also be able to buy a plan from the provider on this screen.

Tap or click Next.

Notes

If your SIM is locked, the default PIN is set by the mobile operator. When the device is locked, it can't be used, and you need the PIN to unlock it. Check the info that came with your SIM or subscription.

Entering an incorrect PIN three times can result in your account being blocked until you get a PIN unblock key (PUK) from your mobile operator. If you're connected at the time that your account becomes blocked, your existing connection will end.

If you have trouble connecting to the Internet, contact your mobile operator.

View a list of available networks by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Settings (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer up, and then clicking Settings), and then tapping or clicking the network icon ( or ).

Tap or click the name of your mobile broadband network, and then tap or click Connect.

To change connection profile properties such as the access point name (APN), access string, user name, password, or autoconnect settings, follow these steps:

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.(If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)

Tap or click Network, tap or click Connections, and then tap or click the name of your mobile broadband network.

Change the access point name (APN) or access string, the user name, and the password, as needed. (You can find these in the info that came with your mobile broadband hardware or service.)

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.(If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)

Tap or click Network, and then tap or click the name of your mobile broadband network.

Tap or click Scan.

To have Windows automatically choose a network, select Automatically select (recommended). Or, to choose a network yourself, select the network name from the list, and then tap or click Register.

Notes

You might incur extra charges if you allow roaming.

If Windows can't connect to the network you specified, it will automatically choose a network.

The Connect to the Internet wizard will guide you through the steps of setting up an Internet connection.

Open the Connect to the Internet wizard by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type network, click Network and Sharing Center, click Set up a new connection or network, and then double-click Connect to the Internet.

Note

If you're connected to a local area network, you might already be connected to the Internet. To find out, open your web browser and try accessing a website.

The Connect to the Internet wizard will guide you through the steps of setting up an Internet connection.

Open the Connect to the Internet wizard by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, clicking Network and Sharing Center, clicking Set up a connection or network, and then clicking Connect to the Internet.

Note

If you are connected to a local area network, you might already be connected to the Internet. To find out, open your web browser and try accessing a website.